"Disney's Legal Strategies as More Characters Join Mickey in Public Domain"

As iconic characters like Mickey Mouse's "Steamboat Willie" iteration enter the public domain, companies like Disney face new challenges and opportunities. While the public can now legally use these characters, Disney's trademarks still protect many aspects of their intellectual property. The success of films like "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey" demonstrates the potential for monetizing public domain characters, but experts warn that using elements too close to trademarked versions could lead to legal trouble. Disney and other companies are expected to rely on trademark law to protect their interests while also focusing on creating new intellectual property to sustain growth.